On April 24 local time, the commissioning ceremony was held for the 50MW Grid-Connected PV Power Plant in Luapula Province, contracted by CMEC, the headquarters of CMEC Group, on an EPC turnkey basis. President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia graced the occasion and cut the ribbon for the project. The Minister of Energy of the Republic of Zambia, the Luapula Province Minister, several Senior Chiefs, the senior management team of the project owner ZESCO, and representatives of contractors also attended the ceremony. The event was covered by many local mainstream media outlets.

At the ceremony, President Hichilema spoke highly of the project, noting that the completion and commissioning of the power plant had changed the situation in which Luapula Province had relied on only one small hydropower station for six decades, reversing the acute shortage of electricity for both residential and industrial use. The plant will strongly promote sustainable socio‑economic development in Luapula Province and has far‑reaching significance for Zambia in tackling climate change, driving economic growth, and achieving energy diversification. President Hichilema also fully affirmed CMEC’s high‑quality performance and delivery of the plant.

The 50MW (AC) Grid-Connected PV Power Generation Project in Luapula Province, Zambia is the first PV power plant project that CMEC has completed in Africa. The scope of work includes a 65MWp/50MWac solar PV plant, a 33/132kV PV step‑up substation, and an 11km double‑circuit transmission line. Construction of the project commenced in February 2025. During the construction period, the project team proactively overcame many difficulties such as the delivery of equipment and materials and logistics, scientifically coordinated construction, and achieved temporary grid connection by the end of December 2025, with commercial operation formally starting in April 2026. The project team will fully carry out the remaining finishing works and warranty work, and will execute subsequent PV projects in Zambia to high standards with high quality.

The successful commissioning of the power plant not only lights up thousands of households in Zambia but also serves as a vivid example of China‑Africa green energy cooperation. Going forward, CMEC Group will continue to join hands with partners from all countries, using more clean energy projects to support local economic development and livelihood improvement, and contribute CMEC Group’s wisdom and strength to high‑quality Belt and Road cooperation and deeper international friendly collaboration.